An inspirational and intriguing insight into the life of Mary Anning – the 19th century fossil finder who defied convention and gender roles to pursue her dreams and talents of becoming a pioneering palaeontologist. Set against the backdrop of the iconic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, Anthea Simmons skilfully unravels the childhood of one of history’s most fascinating figures. Not only braving the dangerous landslips and storms of the coast but also the prejudice and poverty that came with her gender and class (being born both poor and a girl), young Mary bravely faces tragedy and despair in the face in order to fulfil her dream of becoming a scientist, but what will happen when she makes the greatest discovery of all… Exploring themes of women in scientific positions and tackling bigger issues like science versus faith and religion, Lightning Mary takes you on a riveting and exciting tale of adventure and curiosity whilst also making for a great conversational approach for parents and their children. Simmons has given an unforgettably distinctive and fiery voice to the unsung hero, whose passion and determination to follow her dreams will inspire both readers young and old. Accompanied with a factual section at the end about Mary’s life and work, with drawings and descriptions of the famous fossils she collected, this makes for a fascinating text for both enjoyment and learning. Excuse me while I go and book a fossil-hunting trip to Lyme Regis! Get your copy from Bookshop UK here. WHAT TO READ NEXT DISCOVER MORE CHILDREN'S BOOKS ABOUT MARY ANNING

Firstly, for those who haven’t yet read The House with Chicken Legs, can you briefly sum up what it’s about? The House with Chicken Legs is about twelve-year-old Marinka, who wants to escape a lonely destiny as Guardian of The Gate between this world and the next. I have to say one of my favourite characters was actually the house! Despite the house not having any dialogue, you created it with such personality and warmth. And Marinka is such a headstrong and heartfelt heroine that you can’t help but feel for and grow with Marinka throughout her story of self-discovery. Where do you get your inspiration to write your characters? I am inspired by the people around me. Marinka is based on my children, especially my daughter. Baba was based on my grandmother, and I am probably the house! If you had a house with chicken legs for a day, where would you go? To the enchanted forests and lakes of Eastern Europe, where my grandmother grew up. Do you have any other favourite fictional houses? The Moomin House! Fairytales and folktales, myths and legends have become massively popular in both children’s and adult books, why do you think that is? They are stories that have stood the test of time. They speak of the human experience, universal hopes and fears that affect us all across time and space. I loved your enchanting reimagining of the Slavic folklore, Baba Yaga! Why did you decide to write about this tale in particular, and did you carry out any research when writing the book? I have always been fascinated by Baba Yaga, since my grandmother first told me stories about her when I was very young. She is an ambiguous character, and I always sought to understand her. When writing The House with Chicken Legs, I read all the Baba Yaga stories I could find, and also read many non-fiction texts about her. The more I read the more fascinated I became! What are some of your other favourite fairytales and folklores? I have a particular fondness for Russian fairytales; The Snow Maiden, Sadko and Maria Morevna. But I also love tales from other places, for example the Anansi tales from West Africa and the One Thousand and One Nights tales from the Middle East. Do you have any top tips for writing your own fairytales? 1. Read plenty of fairytales - reading is a brilliant way to learn how to craft a story. 2. Reimagine a familiar tale - tell the story from a different point of view, or change the setting, or a character’s role. 3. Use a sprinkling of fairytale words to set the mood, but keep the language simple and accessible. Where and what do you envision Marinka doing in the future? I like to think I left Marinka with lots of options, so I imagine her exploring all those possibilities, looking for the things that make her happiest! What’s on the horizon for you now? Are you working on anything new? I’m about to do the final copyedit for my next book The Girl who Speaks Bear, and I’m in the early stages of plotting another book. And finally, I have to ask, what’s your favourite children’s book at the moment? Or what are two of your favourites? A childhood favourite and a current one! My childhood favourite is Anne of Green Gables, and a more recent favourite is A Pinch of Magic by Michelle Harrison. And, if you could invite any five people – past and present – to a dinner party, who would you invite and why? My husband Nick and our four children, because I love spending time with them! Is that cheating? If I could have one more, I’d choose David Attenborough because he has so many fascinating stories to tell. A massive thank you to Sophie Anderson for taking the time out of her very busy life to answer these questions with me. If anybody wants to find out more about this magical book you can check out more via Waterstones here, and for more details about Sophie and her upcoming events you can check out Sophie's beautiful website here. Sophie's new book, The Girl Who Speaks Bear, published by Usborne and gorgeously illustrated by Kathrin Honesta is out September 2019. Check out more of Kathrin's illustrations via Instagram @kathrinhonestaa. They call me Yanka the Bear. Not because of where I was found - only a few people know about that. They call me Yanka the Bear because I am so big and strong. Found abandoned in a bear cave as a baby, Yanka has always wondered about where she is from. She tries to ignore the strange whispers and looks from the villagers, wishing she was as strong on the inside as she is on the outside. But, when she has to flee her house, looking for answers about who she really is, a journey far beyond one that she ever imagined begins: from icy rivers to smouldering mountains meeting an ever-growing herd of extraordinary friends along the way. Interwoven with traditional stories of bears, princesses and dragons, Yanka's journey is a gorgeously lyrical adventure from the best-selling author of The House With Chicken Legs. © 2018 Bluebird Reviews

It's the 15th anniversary of Waterstones Children's Book Prize this year and they're celebrating today with their announcement of their absolutely cracker of a shortlist! For over 15 years the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize has helped to shape the landscape of contemporary children’s literature, championing rising stars including Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Katherine Rundell and Jonny Duddle, including last years winner Angie Thomas’ and her internationally acclaimed modern classic The Hate U Give storm to victory as the winner of the Children's Book Prize 2018. This years shortlist is celebrating and supporting some of the finest new talent in children's publishing today and I'm delighted to see so many worthy nominations. It will be a difficult one to narrow down the winners but a massive congratulations to all authors and illustrators nominated - it is truly deserved and you're all winners with the wonderful books you have written whatever the outcome. Illustrated Books Shortlist Sparking the imaginations of the very youngest readers, Waterstones Illustrated Books Shortlist is a celebration of creative talent across every genre of children’s publishing. Bursting with life, invention and laugh-aloud humour, whether it’s a superbly silly rhyming canine roll-call or a tender, painterly story of identity or a catalogue of real life heroes, these are books that explore the breadth and depth of where words and pictures can lead us. 100 Dogs by Michael Whaite Small dog, tall dog, playing with a ball dog, big dog, dig dog burying a bone... Can there really be 100 dogs doing 100 doggy things packed into the pages of this picture book? Yep, we've counted and we're pawsitive! Follow the bouncy rhyme as it weaves its way through an array of hilarious hounds (from petted pugs to silly sausage dogs) and find out... This silly celebration of dogs is bursting with funny details to spot and crazy, characterful dogs to fall in love with - a bark-aloud book to return time and again. Are you a dog and cat person? Buy 100 Dogs via Waterstones here, and pre-order 100 Cats, out in 2019! Winner of the Sainsbury's Children's Books Awards Children's Book of the Year and Best Picture Book! Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love Mesmerizing and full of heart, this is a picture book about self-confidence and love, and a radiant celebration of individuality. While riding the subway home with his Nana one day, Julian notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train carriage. When Julian gets home, daydreaming of the magic he's seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies and making his own fabulous mermaid costume. But what will Nana think about the mess he makes - and even more importantly - what will she think about how Julian sees himself? Shop via Waterstones here. Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison Meet the little leaders. They're brave. They're bold. They changed the world. Featuring 40 trailblazing black women in the world's history, this book educates and inspires as it relates true stories of women who broke boundaries and exceeded all expectations. Debut author/illustrator Vashti Harrison pairs captivating text with stunning illustrations as she tells the stories of both iconic and lesser-known female figures of black history - from nurse Mary Seacole, to politician Diane Abbott, mathematician Katherine Johnson and singer Shirley Bassey. Among these biographies, readers will find heroes, role models and everyday women who did extraordinary things. Shop via Waterstones here. Mini Rabbit Not Lost by John Bond A deliciously funny debut from a major new talent! Mini Rabbit is making a cake. Cake, cake, cake! But he's run out of berries. No berries, no cake. No cake? No way! So off he goes to look for some... He's not cold, not too small. And, no, no, definitely NOT LOST... or is he? Shop via Waterstones here. The Girls by Lauren Ace, illustrated by Jenny Lovlie Four little girls meet under an apple tree and form a bond that grows as they share secrets, dreams, worries and schemes. This beautifully illustrated tale charts the girls' lives through ups and downs and laughter and tears. Find out how their friendship flourishes as the years pass by and the girls become women. Shop via Waterstones here. The King Who Banned the Dark by Emily Haworth-Booth An illuminating tale of power, rebellion, darkness and light. There was once a little boy who was afraid of the dark. There's nothing unusual about that. Most children are afraid of the dark at one time of another. But this little boy was a Prince, and he decided that when he became King, he would do something about the dark. He would ban it. When the King bans the dark completely, installing an artificial sun, and enforcing "anti-dark" laws, it seems like a good idea. The citizens don't need to worry about any of the scary things that might live in the dark. But what happens when nobody can sleep, and the citizens revolt? Will the King face his fears and turn the lights off? The King Who Banned the Dark is a beautiful and thought-provoking story about how we need the dark in order to enjoy the light. Shop via Waterstones here. Younger Fiction Shortlist Marking the beginning of a journey into independent reading, Waterstones Younger Fiction category is where many children lose their hearts to books forever. This year’s list is full of future favourites, crossing magical lands, tackling far-flung adventures and spinning new fairy tales to exploring what matters much closer to home. Brightstorm: A Sky-Ship Adventure by Vashti Hardy A fast-paced fantasy adventure that will set your imagination soaring! Twins Arthur and Maudie Brightstorm receive word in Lontown that their famous explorer father has died in a failed attempt to reach the southernmost point in the world. Not only that, but he has been accused of stealing fuel before he died! The twins don't believe the news, and they answer an ad to join a new attempt to reach South Polaris. It's their only hope of learning the truth... and salvaging their family's reputation. As the winged ship Aurora sets sail, the twins must keep their wits about them and prove themselves worthy of the rest of the crew. But will Arthur and Maudie find the answers they seek? Shop via Waterstones here. The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf Told with heart and humour, and beautifully illustrated by Pippa Curnick, The Boy at the Back of the Class is a child's perspective on the refugee crisis, highlighting the importance of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn't always make sense. There used to be an empty chair at the back of my class, but now a new boy called Ahmet is sitting in it. He's nine years old (just like me), but he's very strange. He never talks and never smiles and doesn't like sweets - not even lemon sherbets, which are my favourite! But then I learned the truth: Ahmet really isn't very strange at all. He's a refugee who's run away from a War. A real one. With bombs and fires and bullies that hurt people. And the more I find out about him, the more I want to help. That's where my best friends Josie, Michael and Tom come in. Because you see, together we've come up with a plan... Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2019! The Boy Who Grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie When Tomas discovers a strange old tree at the bottom of his grandad's garden, he doesn't think much of it. But he takes the funny fruit from the tree back into the house - and gets the shock and delight of his life when a tiny dragon hatches! The tree is a dragonfruit tree, and Tomas has got his very own dragon, Flicker. Tomas soon finds out that life with Flicker is great fun, but also very ... unpredictable. Yes, dragons are wonderful, but they also set fire to your toothbruth and leave your pants hanging from the TV aerial. Tomas has to learn how to look after Flicker - and quickly. And then something extraordinary happens - more dragonfruits appear on the tree. Tomas is officially growing dragons... The first book in a sparky and utterly enchanting new series. Shop The Boy Who Grew Dragons via Waterstones here. The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson A spellbinding adventure, bound-up with traditional folk and fairy tales, The House with Chicken Legs transports readers to a world of spells and spirits bound by ancient rules and one girl who longs to break free. My house has chicken legs. Two or three times a year, without warning, it stands up in the middle of the night and walks away from where we’ve been living. It might walk a hundred miles or it might walk a thousand, but where it lands is always the same. Marinka dreams of a normal life, she dreams of standing still, but her house has chicken legs and a will of its own and moves on without warning. For governing Marinka’s world is the powerful and feared Baba Yaga. To some she is a witch, to others the Goddess of Death who guides spirits between this world and the next and she is also Marinka's grandmother. Marinka longs to change her destiny and sets out to break free from her grandmother's footsteps, but her house has other ideas... Based on the Slavic fairy tales she was told by her own Prussian grandmother, Sophie Anderson’s debut is both a powerful reimagining of ancient storytelling and an entrancing new story of one girl’s search for freedom and her own calling. Accompanied by beautiful internal illustrations by Elisa Paganelli, it is a celebration of the power of storytelling to weave new spells and keep magic alive for every new generation. Read my review on this enchanting book here. The Mystery of the Colour Thief by Ewa Jozefkowicz First the accident, then the nightmares. The shadowy thief steals all the colours from Izzy's world leaving her feeling empty and hopeless. Will her new neighbour and a nest full of cygnets save Izzy and solve the mystery of the colour thief? A heartwarming story about families, friendships, school, nature, hope and self-confidence. After a frightening car accident, Izzy's mum is in a coma. Her family is in pieces. Her best friend at school has dumped her. And her nightmares are haunted by a shadowy man stealing all the colours from her world. She's trying so hard to be brave, but Izzy thinks everything is her fault. Then she meets her new neighbour, Toby, paralyzed after a skateboarding accident, and together they find a nest of cygnets who need rescuing. Particularly the odd one out, called Spike. Will saving Spike save Izzy? Will she and Toby solve the mystery of the colour thief and bring hope and happiness back to Izzy's life? Written with insight, compassion and empathy - an authentic story about real life and how to survive it. Shop The Mystery of the Colour Thief via Waterstones here. The Train to Impossible Places by P.G Bell, illustrated by Flavia Sorrention When Suzy hears a strange noise in the middle of the night, she creeps downstairs to find a train roaring through her house. But this is no ordinary train. This is the magical delivery express for the Union of Impossible Places. Whisked on board by a troll-boy, Suzy's world is turned upside down when she's asked to deliver a cursed package to a fearsome sorceress. And quite suddenly, Suzy realizes the fate of the Impossible Places is in her hands... Shop this unforgettable tale via Waterstones here. Older Fiction Shortlist Standing on the cusp of the most daring and experimental new trends – not to mention where Hollywood comes calling - Older Fiction is where some of the most exciting contemporary storytelling happens. Amongst the astonishing range and diversity on display there’s the sweeping, fantasy of rich and strange new worlds alongside myth-born epic and cutting edge contemporary drama: talent to take your breath away. A Winter's Promise by Christelle Dabos, translated by Hildegarde Serle I think we could have all lived happily, in a way, God, me and the others, if it weren’t for that accursed book. It disgusted me. I knew what bound me to it in the most sickening of ways, but the horror of that particular knowledge came later, much later. I didn’t understand straight away, I was too ignorant. Lose yourself in the fantastic world of the arks and in the company of unforgettable characters in this French runaway hit, Christelle Dabos’ The Mirror Visitor quartet. Long ago, following a cataclysm called the Rupture, the world was shattered into many floating celestial islands, now known as arks. Over each, the spirit of an omnipotent and immortal ancestor abides. The inhabitants of these arks each possess a unique power. Ophelia, with her ability to read the pasts of objects, must navigate this fantastic, disjointed, perilous world using her trademark tenacity and quiet strength. Plain-spoken, headstrong Ophelia cares little about appearances. Her ability to read the past of objects is unmatched in all of Anima and, what’s more, she possesses the ability to travel through mirrors, a skill passed down to her from previous generations. Her idyllic life is disrupted, however, when she is promised in marriage to Thorn, a taciturn and influential member of a distant clan. Ophelia must leave all she knows behind and follow her fiancé to Citaceleste, the capital of a cold, icy ark known as the Pole, where danger lurks around every corner and nobody can be trusted. There, in the presence of her inscrutable future husband, Ophelia slowly realizes that she is a pawn in a political game that will have far-reaching ramifications not only for her but for her entire world. Shop The Winter's Promise via Waterstones here. Boy 87 by Ele Fountain Shif is just an ordinary boy who likes chess, maths and racing his best friend home from school. But one day, soldiers with guns come to his door - and he knows that he is no longer safe. Shif is forced to leave his mother and little sister,and embark on a dangerous journey; a journey through imprisonment and escape, new lands and strange voices, and a perilous crossing by land and sea. He will encounter cruelty and kindness; he will become separated from the people he loves. Boy 87 is a gripping, uplifting tale of one boy's struggle for survival; it echoes the story of young people all over the world today. The Truth About Lies by Tracy Darnton Jess has an incredible memory. She can remember every single detail of every single day since she was eleven. But Jess would rather not be remarkable and, after years of testing at the hands of a ruthless research team, she has finally managed to escape. Just when Jess thinks that she's managing to settle in to living a normal life, everything changes. Her boarding-school roommate dies and the school is thrown into a state of chaos and grief. Then new boy Dan appears and Jess can't help but find herself drawn to him. But building relationships is hard when you can't reveal who you really are and Jess is getting hints that someone knows more about her than she would like. Is it time to run again? Will she ever be truly free? Shop The Truth About Lies via Waterstones here. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi Magic can burn, turn tides, light the darkness and bring back the dead. But magic is gone. So one girl must bring it back in the first in a gripping fantasy trilogy. They killed my mother.They took our magic.They tried to bury us. Now we rise. Zelie remembers when the soil of Orisha hummed with magic. When different clans ruled - Burners igniting flames, Tiders beckoning waves, and Zelie's Reaper mother summoning forth souls. But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, anyone with powers was targeted and killed, leaving Zelie without a mother and her people without hope. Only a few people remain with the power to use magic, and they must remain hidden. Zelie is one such person. Now she has a chance to bring back magic to her people and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zelie must learn to harness her powers and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good. Danger lurks in Orisha, where strange creatures prowl, and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zelie herself as she struggles to come to terms with the strength of her magic - and her growing feelings for an enemy. Already snapped up for development into a major new film by the producers of The Maze Runner and The Fault in Our Stars, Children of Blood and Bone is a fierce and unflinching saga of divided love, belief and legacy. A book that combines heart-stopping drama with unforgettable characters this is a story that ripples with magic, a tale that will haunt a reader long after the final page. Me Mam. Me Dad. Me by Malcolm Duffy Humorous and heartbreaking debut novel with the fresh, funny, honest voice of a 14-year-old Geordie lad recounting the trials and tribulations of family life and finding first love. Nominated for the 2019 Carnegie Medal. Danny's mam has a new boyfriend. Initially, all is good - Callum seems nice enough, and Danny can't deny he's got a cool set up; big house, fast car, massive TV, and Mam seems to really like him. But cracks begin to show, and they're not the sort that can be easily repaired. As Danny witnesses Mam suffer and Callum spiral out of control he goes in search of his dad. The Dad he's never met. Set in Newcastle and Edinburgh, this supremely readable coming-of-age drama tackles domestic violence head on, but finds humour and hope in the most unlikely of- places. Shop via Waterstones here. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo Xiomara has always kept her words to herself. When it comes to standing her ground in her Harlem neighbourhood, she lets her fists and her fierceness do the talking. But X has secrets - her feelings for a boy in her bio class, and the notebook full of poems that she keeps under her bed. And a slam poetry club that will pull those secrets into the spotlight. Because in spite of a world that might not want to hear her, Xiomara refuses to stay silent. A novel about finding your voice and standing up for what you believe in, no matter how hard it is to say. Brave, bold and beautifully written - dealing with issues of race, feminism and faith - this is perfect for fans of Orangeboy and Everything Everything, The Children of Blood and Bone, The Hate U Give and One. Waterstones will be unveiling the category winners and their ultimate overall winner of the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2019 on Thursday 21 March!

Firstly, the cover for Asha and the Spirit Bird is absolutely stunning! If there's ever been a time to judge a book by its cover then this is it. Winner of the 2017 Times/Chicken House Children's Fiction Competition, Jasbinder Bila has written a gorgeously original magical-realist Indian adventure. Asha lives on the family farm with her mother in rural India. Her father is away working in the city, and when the money he sends stops suddenly, a wicked aunt arrives. She’s determined to seize the property – and the treasure rumoured to be hidden on the land. Guided by a majestic bird which Asha believes to be the spirit of her grandmother, she and her best friend Jeevan embark on a journey to the city, across the Himalayas, to find her father and save her home … Pre-order Asha and the Spirit Bird from Amazon here. The praise I've heard for Michelle Harrison's A Pinch of Magic has made me desperate to get my hands of this book for a while now. Described by Fiona Noble as a 'mesmerising magical quest with freedom and sisterly love at its heart,' A Pinch of Magic tells the story of the cursed Widdershins sisters and some strange magical objects that could change the fate or the sisters forever. Three sisters trapped by an ancient curse. Three magical objects with the power to change their fate. Will they be enough to break the curse? Or will they lead the sisters even deeper into danger? ... Pre-order A Pinch of Magic via Amazon here. When Big Ben sounds the stroke of midnight, Emily’s parents vanish. As an adventurous eleven year old, Emily packs her sandwiches and her hedgehog, Hoggin, and heads into the Midnight Hour. A Victorian London frozen in time, the Midnight Hour is a magical place of sanctuary and of peril dreamt up by children – and inhabited by monsters of legend, creatures of the imagination, and a Postal Service determined to save the day (and night!). To save her mum and dad, Emily must be brave enough to embrace her own inner magic … Compared to the likes of Jessica Townsend's Nevermoor, The Midnight Hour sounds like a thrillingly quirky debut. And not to mention, another stunning cover by Chicken House! Pre-order The Midnight Hour via Amazon here. The fourth and (sadly) final book in the hilarious Who Let the Gods Out series by one of the funniest voices in children's literature is nearly out! Elliot and the Gods are back in Against All Gods, and Elliot is about to face his darkest period yet. As well as facing up to his fears, he realises that the future of mankind - and the survival of everything he holds dear - is at stake. But can a bunch of misfit gods, a lost constellation and a mortal boy stand up to the daemon hordes? By far one of my favourite middle grade series out there, but I'm super excited to see Maz Evans is going to come up with next. Pre-order Against all Gods via Amazon here. Two girls, a century apart. Together they'll find freedom. The Closest Thing to Flying tells the tale of two girls, 100 years apart. When young refugee Semira finds a diary written in 1891 she learns about the story of Hen and a world of animal rights, votes for women, and riding bicycles! Both girls who long for freedom, Semira finds herself a friend she's desperately been seeking and in turn finds the inspiration to be brave, to fight for her place in the world, and maybe even to uncover the secrets of her own past. Encompassing women's suffrage, the origins of RSPB and the plight of refugees, Gill Lewis has written a remarkably unforgettable tale of friendship, hope, and finding the courage to fight for what you believe in. Pre-order The Closest Thing to Flying via Amazon here. © 2018 Bluebird Reviews

The New Year has been positively brimming with a mixture of home-grown talent and debut authors. Lucy Strange hit back after her popular debut novel, The Secret of Nightingale Words by bagging Waterstones first book of the month of the year with Our Castle by the Sea, and Ross Welford returned with another outstanding novel in The Dog Who Saved the World. Eva Eland and Samuel J. Haplin came onto the scene with both outstanding debuts and I'm excited to see what they do next. January has also been exceptionally busy with anniversaries! Where the Wild Things Are and Elmer both celebrate their 30th birthdays, while The Gruffalo clocks up two decades. It was Tolkien's and Lewis Carroll's birthdays, and not to mention Winnie the Pooh day on the 18th! But Pooh knows best and 'let's begin by taking a smallish nap or two'. January 2019 Preview This beautiful and lyrical picture book by poet and playwright Joseph Coelho is now out in paperback, and it's without a doubt one of my favourite picture books out there. If All The World Were... tells the powerful yet ultimately uplifting story of a young girls love for her granddad and how she copes when he dies. With beautiful bright illustrations, Coelho offers a gentle introduction to grief and death. You can buy If All the World Were.. via Amazon here. Also out this month by Joseph Coelho is the gorgeous A Year of Nature Poems. Through 12 inspiring poems Coelho journeys through the first blossoms through to the stark winter wonderland in December, whilst capturing the cycle of trees and plants and how animals behave through the seasons. Accompanied with vibrant, folk art style illustrations by Kelly Louise Judd, this is a must have for fans of the bestselling I Am the Seed That Grew the Tree and The Lost Words. Also out in paperback this month is Lauren Ace's wonderful picture book of friendship and inclusion, The Girls. A simple and uplifting story about four little girls who meet under an apple tree and form a special bond that take them through the years. A celebration of kindness, possibility, individuality and above all else friendship. The illustrations are charming and the text is emotive. This book fitted perfectly within my ever growing collection of children's book celebrating women. Shop this picture book via Amazon here. When Sadness Comes to Call by Eva Eland has already seen praises from the likes of The Bookseller, BookTrust and Publishers Weekly and it's at the top of my list of January recommendations as well! A powerful and profound picture book by a debut author/illustrator takes a look at empathy and action, and how to deal with uncomfortable and difficult emotions. An uplifting tale that encourages readers to be mindful of their feelings and to not be afraid when sadness arrives, but to instead give it a name, listen to it and spend some time together. Another book out this month that deals with similar issues as When Sadness Comes to Call, is Usborne's new title, The Unworry Book. Whether it's about sadness, anxiety or worries it's so important to address these issues with children. Books addressing emotional and mental health and wellbeing are currently a significant and necessary theme right across children's published and They Unworry Book particularly stands out to me. Developed with a psychologist, this illustrated, write-in hardback has been specifically designed to ease anxiety. Described best as a 'worry toolkit', this book offers tips, techniques and activities, such as creating a worry box and making a mood grid to encourage calmness and relaxation. Onto middle grade fiction and this sector has seen some of my favourite authors emerge with new titles that have become instant bestsellers. Lucy Strange has hit back after her popular debut novel, The Secret of Nightingale Words by bagging Waterstones first book of the month of the year. A worthy winner by all accounts as Our Castle by the Sea has been praised as an exciting wartime mystery entwined with magic and myth. Our Castle by the Sea tells the story of twelve-year-old Petra who has grown up in a lighthouse on the Kent coast. With the Second World War looming, and the clifftops a terrifying battleground, Pet's family is torn apart and Pet finds herself inextricably linked to a strange and ancient legend. A thrilling and atmospheric historical novel, perfect for fans of Emma Carroll. The Peculiar Peggs of Riddling Woods by Samuel J. Halpin was one of the first books I tucked into this January and I was not disappointed. Set in a sleepy town called Subs, a place stepped in strange magic and plenty of secrets (think children who turn grey and disappear without a trace!) The Peculiar Peggs of Riddling Woods is a thrilling fairy tale read with a heartfelt friendship at its core. Deliciously dark in tone but glistening with imagination and heart. An impressive debut with fantastic illustrations by Hannah Peck. Perfect for fans of Helena Duggan's A Place Called Perfect. I'm a massive fan of myths and fairy tales at the moment so I was thrilled to come across Rachel Burge's part ghost story, part Nordic mystery, The Twisted Tree. Set in the remote snows of contemporary Norway comes a creepy and chilling tale about a young girl Martha who can tell things about a person just by touching their clothes. Determined to understand her strange ability, Martha sets off to visit her grandmother, Mormor - only to discover Mormor is dead, a peculiar boy is in her cabin and a terrifying creature is on the loose. Then the spinning wheel starts creaking, books move around and terror creeps in... Rooted in myth, with unexpected twists and turns, The Twisted Tree is genuinely terrifying ghost story to read on these cold, dark winter nights. Nowhere on Earth, originally titled The Other Side of Lost, is a thrilling story of survival, hope and love beyond all understanding. When their plane crashes, 16-year-old Emily and her brother are lost in the Alaskan wilderness. But then the men arrive, and the hunt begins. Action packed, with a sci-fi twist. Happy New Year Bluebirds, and as always, happy reading! © 2018 Bluebird Reviews

I've never read a children's book quite like The Curious Crime. The enticing title and enchanting front cover was enough to grab my attention for this 19th century inspired science fantasy, murder-mystery. But Julia Golding has written a story far more greater than the cover will ever reveal. A story that I believe will inspire and empower readers for years to come. Set in a wonderfully vast museum, a museum quoted by Golding as 'inspiring possibilities of a Hogwarts, but also a Sherlock Holmes mind palace', The Curious Crime tells the story of Ree, a talented female stonemason, and Henri, a scholar from North Africa, who join together to solve a murder and prove their innocence. Golding has created an alternative Victorian era, where women are considered to not have the capacity to practice science, and where religious thoughts and beliefs have been deemed incompatible with science. The concept of theophily is banned, whilst phrenology is a respected and valid theory, and students are only taught to ask 'how', and the root of 'why' is forbidden. But within this magnificent museum the story of science is mapped out through its open rooms and abandoned chambers, exotic (but now sadly extinct) animals roam the corridors, and an underground network of passages lead to hidden yet exciting possibilities. Not only is this a fantastic book that inspires and encourages children to be empowered when it comes to asking questions, it also champions and celebrates women and minority groups in science. Golding is a master at writing strong female characters, and The Curious Crime doesn't fall short on those. Not only is there the protagonist Ree, an inspiring young heroine who is prevented from following her creative passion as a talented stonemason. But despite being confined to cleaning the halls at night as a maid, Ree is never afraid to follow her true passions. She's determined, curious and one to always stand up for herself and others. There are also a number of other women always trying to stay true to their inner moral codes despite the system that is set up against them. Like the housemaid who teaches herself mathematics from one of the museum displays and later moves to the accounts department. And then there's Dr Hypatia, my personal favourite. A mysterious doctor, a female animal collector and the youngest ever head of the Biological Sciences department. Despite being shunned from her academy post though and forced to become a hidden outlaw in the museums wild lands, Dr Hypatia is, in the most basic terms, a badass! And speaking of Dr Hypatia, her and Dr Hamid's relationship is one that we need to see more of across children's literature. Despite being two very different people, with two very different views and opinions, particularly that on religion, they still respect and appreciate each others views and beliefs. For me personally, I haven't read many books that explore faith and religion in children's literature, it seems to be a subject that many writers shy away from. However Golding masterfully tackles this with her superior storytelling skills to ensure that the plot is never weighed down by its philosophical beliefs. All in all, Golding has created a fantastically gripping story about curiosity, gender, prejudice, ambition and murder! It's a must read for those who enjoy adventures and mysteries with a splash of alternate history (think Robin Stevens, Emma Carroll and Katherine Woodfine) but also for more mature readers who enjoy tackling bigger questions, like how faith and religion can coexist with science and looking at women and ethnic minorities in scientific positions. I had the chance to interview Julia to find out more about The Curious Crime and her writing in general, which you can read here. © 2018 Bluebird Reviews

I've been reading some fantastic fairy tale inspired and retelling stories recently, including Jessie Burton's gorgeous, feminist reimagining of the Grimms’ fairytale The Twelve Dancing Princesses, The Restless Girls (read my review here), and Kiran Millwood Hargrave's frosty fairy tale, set in a Scandinavian wood during an everlasting winter, The Way Past Winter (read my review here). I've always been a massive fan of fairy tales and myths, folk tales and magic, so I've complied a list of some of favourite fairy tales reimagined for young and old. Picture Books Bethan Woolvin needs no introduction. Here witty and feminist retellings of much loved fairy tales have taken the picture book market by a storm. When Little Red first appeared in 2017 its strikingly retro style illustrations and a simple, witty text with a brave Little Red Riding Hood at the forefront captured everyone's attention. And now Woolvin has successfully gone on to write about Rapunzel who puts her destiny of freedom in her own hands, and Hansel and Gretel's mischief and mayhem which is a little more magical then what the classic story believes. With fantastical twists and fearless characters, these picture books make a perfect gift for fairy tale fans of all ages. Cinderella is always a beautiful classic to retell but a couple of my favourites are, Interstellar Cinderella - a space loving, rocket fixing and independent-minded heroine, and Beverly Naidoo's beautiful earliest-known version of Cinderella in Cinderella of the Nile. A few of my other favourite fairy tale retellings include Davide Cali's hilarious retelling of Snow White, involving a few more dwarfs than what the original tale recalls. With bright, energetic illustrations and not a gap of white left on the page, this is definitely Snow White at her best. Hortense and the Shadow by Natalia and Lauren O'Hara come a beautifully illustrated dark fairy tale of identity and self-acceptance. 5-8 I absolutely adore Chris Riddell's recent fairy tale twist of a picture book, weaving together familiar fairy tale characters as you've never seen them before, including Red Riding Hood, Thumbelina, Rapunzel, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, the three bears and many more! Full of witty details and warm and hilarious illustrations this is a truly delightful book. And Vita Murrow's Power to the Princess consists of 15 favourite fairytales which have been retold for a new generation. Focused on issues including self-image, confidence, LGBTQ, friendship, advocacy and disability these princesses are smart, funny, and kind, and can do anything they set their minds to! Clotilde Perrin's Inside the Villains is an extraordinary pop-up book that reveals the secrets of the most famous fairy-tale villains! Including the giant, the wold and the witch, this brilliant book explores these famous villains through interactive flaps and personality cards. Find out about the diabolical thoughts inside the villains' heads, what hides beneath their disguises, or the victims of their last meals (now comfortably settled inside their stomachs!) if you dare! Middle Grade The Restless Girls by Jessie Burton has without a doubt been one of my favourite books from 2018. A dazzling, feminist reimagining of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, this fierce, inspirational fairytale brings a tale about family, sisterhood, imagination and bravery, and will now doubt become a classic that is handed down from mother to daughter for generations to come. Katherine Rundell's Into the Jungle again is a modern classic in the making. In this gorgeously produced gift hardback book, Rundell has created a charming and compelling origin stories for all Kipling's best-known characters, from Baloo and Shere Khan to Kaa and Bagheera. As Mowgli travels through the Indian jungle, this brilliantly visual tale, which weaves each short story together into a wider whole, will make readers both laugh and cry. The Sleeper and the Spindle is a thrillingly reimagined fairy tale from the truly magical combination of author Neil Gaiman and illustrator Chris Riddell - weaving together a sort-of Snow White and an almost Sleeping Beauty with a thread of dark magic, which will hold readers spellbound from start to finish. Cornelia Funke's Through the Water Curtain is a delightful, diverse selection of lesser-known fairy tales from around the world. From her native Germany, to snowy Siberia, from Japan to Vietnam, this collection is sure to capture and enchant any reader young and old. Read more Through the Water Curtain through my review here. The middle grade sector is absolutely brimming with fairy tales, magic and myths, and The House with Chicken Legs, published just recently in 2018 is one of my favourite books! Weaving together Russian folklore and Baba Yaga, this utterly magical tale is a bold and beautifully-built adventure and enchanted me beyond belief. Read more of my review here. The School for Good and Evil and The Land of Stories are both brilliant series that turn the fairytale concept of 'happily ever after' on its head! Both thrillingly fast-paced and enchantingly epic these books are perfect for any fairytale lover! Teen/YA The Dollmaker of Krakow is a beautiful, timeless tale set in the Second World War that weaves together magic, folklore and history. One night a little doll named Karolina comes to life in a toyshop in Krakow, Poland, in 1939 and changes the life of the gruff, broken-hearted Dollmaker. And when the darkness of the Nazi occupation sweeps over the city, Karolina and the Dollmaker must bravely use their magic to save their Jewish friends from a terrible danger, no matter what the risks. This powerful story is about finding friendship in the darkest of places and the importance of love in times of great pain. A genuinely beautiful book, that has become one of my all time favourite magical fairy tales. You can buy the book via Amazon here. Louise O'Neill's reimagining of The Little Mermaid has been an absolute hit since it first published in May 2018. Reimagining the innocent of The Little Mermaid through a searing feminist lens, with the stunning, scalpel-sharp writing and world building, The Surface Breaks is full of rage and rallying cries, and the darkest of undercurrents. A dark and luxurious tale filled with beauty, bitterness and betrayal, this is a must read! Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik is another enchantingly dark fairytale retelling with two marvelous heroines at its heart. Taking the tale of Rumpelstiltskin as her starting point, Spinning Silver is a rich, multilayered new story which is a joy to read. If you haven't come across Marissa Meyer's Cinder yet then I definitely recommend that you get a move on because this Cinderella is nothing like the Cinderella you remember. No, Marissa Meyer has turned the classic tale inside out and introduced cyborgs, a deadly plague and a forbidden romance. Definitely a story you won't be forgetting anytime soon. And the same goes to Danielle Paige's Dorothy Must Die. Paige's reimagining of the wonderful world of Oz is a little more deadly than just following the yellow brick wall. In fact Oz has had a complete make over where Good Witches can't be trusted, Wicked Witches may just be the good guys. Collections For readers who enjoyed Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, this empowering collection of stories, poems and beautiful hand-drawn illustrations gives Once Upon a Time a much-needed modern makeover. Gone are the gender stereotypes of obliging lovers, violent men and girls that need rescuing. Instead, lines blur between heroes and villains and you'll meet brave princesses, a new kind of wolf lurking in the concrete jungle and a courageous Gretel who can bring down monsters on her own. Nikita Gill's Fierce Fairytales & Other Stories to Stir Your Soul is a stunning collection of feminist fairytales that will inspire and empower both young and old. Shop the book via Amazon here. This wouldn't be a fairytale booklist in Roald Dahl's irreverent and hilarious collection, Revolting Rhymes! One of my all time favourite books that all I can say is if you haven't read it yet then you're missing out. But be warned, it's not ordinary once upon a time! Tangleweed and Brine is a book I only came across just recently, but it is one that has enchanted my heart and mind. From one of Ireland's leading writers for young people comes a collection of thirteen dark, feminist retellings of traditional fairytales. Beguiling, bewitching and poetic, Deirdre Sullivan has given stories such as Cinderella and Rumpelstiltskin a wickedly, witchy makeover - a masterful collection not for the faint-hearted. If you have any fairytale recommendations, whether they're classics or retellings I'd love to hear about them in the comments!

When I first found out that Jessie Burton was writing her first children’s book on a feminist reimagining of the Grimms’ fairytale The Twelve Dancing Princesses, and that the incredible Angela Barrett would be the illustrator I just couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy. And I haven’t let it out of my hands since. It is without a doubt one of the magical, exquisite books I’ve read in 2018. The Restless Girls is a most welcome edition to the wonderful world of modern fairytale retellings indeed and it’s one that every young girl and boy should read. Not only does it have elements of empowering women who can save and look after themselves (no shadow of a damsel in distress appeared here) but it also encourages you to not allow others to damped your dreams and passions. It was refreshing to see that the 12 beautiful princesses, were what I believed to be inspired and named after unique inspirational women (the main character Frida being named after Frida Kahlo, Jessie Burton please say I'm right?!) Overall, this is a magical tale of bravery, sisterhood and fighting for your rights. My only wish being, that whilst I adored Angela Barrett’s illustrations, I just wish that there could’ve been more. With only 17 illustrations in total I can’t help but pine over the missed artistic representation that could’ve been. But nevertheless, this gloriously gorgeous hardback edition is one that I’ll be sure to read over and over again. Shop this enchanting book via Amazon here, or the stunning deluxe edition with an exclusive print and gorgeous sprayed edges, all enclosed in a beautiful slip case here. © 2018 Bluebird Reviews

Kiran Millwood Hargrave is without a doubt one of my favourite children’s authors. I absolutely loved her previous books, Waterstones Children’s Book Winner 2017 The Girl of Ink and Stars and The Island at the End of Everything, and The Way Past Winter is equally as brilliant and beautiful. Set in a Scandinavian wood during an everlasting winter, The Way Past Winter tells the magically tale of Mila and her sisters, Sanna and Pipa, who set off on an adventure in search of their brother Oskar, who Mila believes has been taken by ‘the Bear’. Rooted in a world of myth, magic and folklore, this frosty fairytale is a captivating story of sisterhood, bravery and new beginnings. Kiran’s lyrical and atmospheric writing transported me to the frozen north and took me on a wintry adventure I’ll not be forgetting anytime soon. Not to mention what an absolute winner of a book this is on the ‘rebel girls’ front! I loved each sister independently and together - sensitive but fiercely courageous Mila, stubborn and protective Sanna and mischievously yet kind Pipa. But what I loved most about Mila’s character, is unlike Kiran’s other protagonists who want to find adventure in the big, wide world, Mila is a homebody. Her one main goal is to return to her home with her family and this for me made Mila’s character that so much more relatable and realistic. My only wish would be for there to be more! I wanted to know more about mages and about Rune. How did Rune come to learn his magic? What came of his home and this goat? Were there other mages? I wanted to stay with the family, to find out their futures and see their characters grow and evolve even more! Where did Sanna’s travel too? Where did Mila’s new power take her next? I could’ve been lost in this setting and story for a lifetime but for the middle grade readership, the length of the book is perfect. Thrillingly fast-paced yet seamlessly developed. Not to mention the gorgeous hardback, cloth bound edition with illustrations by Helen Crawford-Wight makes this a timeless classic. Read this come snow or sun! Get your copy from Bookshop UK here. DISCOVER MORE BY KIRAN MILLWOOD HARGRAVE WHAT TO READ NEXT

Transport yourself to the furthest corners of the world, travel through time and take in the spellbinding history of the Silk Roads in this magnificently gold and blue bound illustrated edition from bestselling author and historian Peter Frankopan. Adapted for a younger readership of 11+ from Frankopan’s award-winning literary triumph The Silk Roads, this majestic illustrated edition leads armchair adventurers from ancient world laws laid down by King Hammurabi and the mighty Persian empire to the terrifying huns to the rise of Europe. Sewing together time and history through people, empires and continents The Silk Roads into a phenomenal history of the globe, this is a must have for any history buff. With enthralling maps and exquisite illustrations by Neil Pecker this is way more engaging and informative than your average textbook. Bringing together politics and science, religion and trade, Frankopan takes you on a remarkable voyage about how the east married the west. So set your sails east and journey along the Silk Roads. Get your copy from Bookshop UK here. WHAT TO READ NEXT

I have travelled to the furthest corners of the world through this delightful and diverse collection of fairy and folk tales collected in Through the Water Curtain. From Cornelia Funke’s native Germany, to snowy Siberia, from Japan to Vietnam, in this gorgeous hardback edition, you’ll encounter riveting tales, exotic settings, mysterious cultures and unexpected delights. Funke has created a collection of lesser-known tales that are far from the traditional ‘happily ever after’ yet refreshingly different and unique. I’ve discovered stories that I’ve never encountered before and enjoyed Funke’s fascinating commentaries behind why she included each story. Whilst I would’ve loved some more illustrations, Funke has such a magical way with words and the stories are so enchanting that they come alive on their own. Whether you’re a lover of fairytales or want to travel the world from the comfort of your home then I cannot recommend this beautiful gem of a book enough. Cornelia Funke is a magician and I cannot wait to see what see does next. IF YOU LIKED THIS, TRY...

Firstly, for those who haven’t yet read The Curious Crime, can you briefly sum up what it’s about? Ree discovers the unfairness of being a girl in a male-dominated scientific world, where alternative ideas are swiftly squashed. Enter a fantasy island where Phil the dodo and other unusual wild animals roam corridors, great halls and an underground network of passages of a magnificent museum and science academy. Prevented from following her creative passion as a stonemason, Ree is confined to cleaning the halls at night as a maid. But then the murders start happening...  A determined scholar Henri and strong-willed Ree join forces to solve the mysteries and prove their innocence. I loved the alternative, fantasy museum island you created. Where the story of science is mapped out through its open rooms and abandoned chambers, where unusual (but now sadly extinct) animals roam the corridors, and where this underground network of passages lead to hidden yet exciting possibilities. Can you tell me a bit more about the enchanting museum setting? What inspired you to take on this alternative 19th Century world? It is inspired by all the amazing museums I've ever visited - the Natural History Museums in London and Oxford, the Smithsonian in Washington, the museums of Paris, and many more... I was also inspired by somewhere I haven't yet been - Museum Island in Berlin. My son and husband attempted to go during one visit to Germany but it was closed and thus remains a mystery. I imagined what it might be like and then the story began to mushroom. We’re in this ‘rebel girls’ era at the moment where inspirational women and young girls are finally being recognised and celebrated for what they do and achieve. You have some brilliant female characters in The Curious Crime including my personal favourite, Dr Hypatia.  Where there any in particular women that inspired you when writing this book? Very many. In addition to Hypatia, there is Caroline Herschel, astronomer, Marie Skłodowska Curie, physicist and chemist, Mary Somerville, mathematician and science interpreter, Mary Anning, fossil hunter... All these women fought to be taken seriously in their areas of expertise. There are a lot of scientific ideas discussed throughout the book, including phrenology. But it’s Henri’s scientific proposal that I found most interesting. We basically get a glimpse into forensic science and how fingerprints can be used as evidence at crime scenes. What are your favourite scientific theories from history? I like animal magnetism - the belief that electricity was the life force - partly because it gave us Frankenstein! Dr Hypatia and Dr Hamid make a very interesting couple. They are two very different people, with two very different views but they love each. At least that’s what I took from the book. Despite having different opinions, particularly on religion, they still appreciate and respect each other’s views and beliefs. This concept is very important throughout your book because you raise this question of, can science and faith coexist. This museum only acknowledges science as having all the answers, and has completely diminished any theory that cannot be backed up by hardcore evidence. Why do you think people are so hesitant to accept faith and religion as another theory? I wouldn't call religion a theory but another area of knowledge. Put it like this: if your partner asks if you love him or her, s/he doesn't want you to say 'Ah yes, the synapses in my brain are firing, and oxytocin is being released giving me a warm feeling about you.' S/he wants you to draw on your knowledge of him or her, your experiences together, the evidence (if you like) of the loving actions you've both taken and say 'yes, I love you.' That knowledge is real but doesn't come out of an MRI scan or blood test. Faith is like that - a body of experience and wisdom that has its own place in our world. It shouldn't try to be science, or science faith and philosophy. I personally haven’t read many children’s books that explore faith and religion. The main book, or in this case series, that comes to mind for me is C. S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia. Do you think there’s space for faith and religion in children’s literature? It's a tricky area because it raises the suspicion that you are trying to 'convert' people. That means that authors and publishers have become scared of including religious themes as opposition quickly heats up. But I think it is a huge and vital area of human experience and shouldn't be off limits to children's fiction. There are ways of handling it so that no one feels 'got at'. Children should be allowed to think about these things as they are race, gender identity or any other experience they will encounter as they grow. There are a lot of elements and questions that you address throughout your book, including extinct animals; women and ethnic minorities in scientific positions; can science and faith coexist; the importance of asking ‘why’, and not to mention the crime itself. If readers were to take away just one of these elements, which and why do you hope readers would take away from The Curious Crime? I'm not setting out to preach a particular line but I hope they feel that I've celebrated diversity and respect for all of humans, regardless of race, gender or faith. If you could bring any extinct animal back to life what would you bring back and why? Of course the dodo. Because they sound wonderful and charming like penguins are. Did you face any challenges when writing The Curious Crime and how did you overcome them? The challenge was keeping the reader guessing in the plot structure of a whodunnit. It is obvious to me as the writer because I know and I need to put in enough clues so you think you have a chance of getting it right without it being too easy. Did I get the balance right? How do you choose your character/animal names? In this book they all relate to real people or places with a historical significance. For example Altamira (Ree's surname) is where a Spanish girl found one of the earliest cave paintings. Phil the dodo is named after Philoponus, the Alexandrine scientist in 6the century AD who discovered that objects of different weights fell at the same speed (not Galileo though he usually gets the credit). Where and what do you envision Ree and Henri doing in the future? And what do you think becomes of the museum? I think they go on an expedition with Hypatia to look for a dodo partner for Phil. Hopefully they find one - this is fiction after all! I think the museum slowly evolves - like science itself - to become more egalitarian but they probably never fix all the falling down bits so it remains as mysterious as ever. What’s on the horizon for you now? Are you working on anything new? Yes I've just had a good idea for a new historical novel for the same age group. Early days yet but it plays to my strengths as a writer! And finally, I have to ask, what’s your favourite children’s book at the moment? Or what are two of your favourites? A childhood favourite and a current one! My childhood favourite changed with the years but one I loved was A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Currently I am a fan of The Murderer's Ape by Jakob Wegelius - really worth a read. And, if you could invite any five people, past and present, to a dinner party, who would you invite and why? Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, William Shakespeare, and Hypatia of Alexandria (with a translator). Why? You get wit, animation, humour, brilliance and intelligence and sit back and listen to them talk. A massive thank you to Julia Golding for taking the time out of her very busy life to answer these questions with me. If anybody wants to find out more this gripping book you can check out Julia's website, along with the book trailer for The Curious Crime here. And for those who want a sneak peek you can read the first chapter of The Curious Crime right here! © 2018 Bluebird Reviews